Chapter 19
Disclaimer/A/N: © to JK Rowling for all her Harry Potter characters, ideas etc. She owns that world!
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The Christmas celebrations were going as well as Ron wanted it to go. Everyone continued to dance, eat, tell stories, reunite and just enjoy themselves. There was still no sign of King Arthur, he took this as a good sign however. Ron just thought that the presence of his father on a night as joyful as this one would only be somewhat depressing for him. Not many people had asked around about the placement of the King, they were to engaged in Hogwarts' joyous festives. Hermione had finally gotten her chance to participate in a dance, which was accompianed by the conductor, Mr. Smeaton, and his group. The more she involved herself with everyone, the more comfortable she began to feel. But of course, there is always some individuals who felt disgraced by her being at celebration and more or less the center of attention. There were three ladies standing outside the center of the hall, staring at her in disgust.
"I do believe the Prince has now officially lost his mind," said she, the woman said, a bit large, her hair was dark brown in curls; holding a drink in her hand. "Turning down the Princess of Romania for a woman whom in which is lower than himself."
"Whom in which is lower than all of us," said the second lady, with blonde hair and blue eyes and a wart on her cheek.
"Our Prince as good looking and handsome as he is, should never be involved with someone who should be selling bread in the bailey," the third woman, who had her hair in a bun, a lot of powder added to her face, "What do you suppose His Majesty is saying about this issue? He has not been in sight all night. Do you suppose it is secrecy?"
"Keep your voice down, Ms. Murdstone," hissed the large lady, "if we are heard upon saying any such things as this, we will surely be dismissed."
Hermione lead Ron out from the crowd and to the side next to the table that had refreshments. Ron wrapped his arms around her and hugged her. "Are you having a good time, Hermione? Everything alright?"
Hermione entwined her fingers with his, she couldn't stop smiling at that moment. She sighed, as she stared into those beautiful blue eyes of Ron's. "I-…everything is absolutely wonderful."
"You've certainly been probably the main attraction for tonight," Ron said, "I probably shouldn't leave you alone for anytime tonight."
Hermione giggled and her cheeks now became the shade of pink at his statement. She then turned her attention back to the crowd, where she had caught those three women often staring at her throughout the evening. "The women are just waiting for you to me rid of me so they can take my place around your arm."
Ron now had a stern look on his face, "Hermione, if there is anyone saying or doing anything to you that is making you uncomfortable please tell me and I'll shall have them taken care of. I do not care who it is."
"I'll be alright, Ron, I promise," she whispered.
"Good," Ron replied now moving his hand over her stomach, "Because anyone who upsets you…will upset our little prince."
Hermione smiled and covered his hand with hers, "Or princess."
"Mhmm, yes possibly," said Ron, "but I just have a really big feeling you shall bare a boy."
"Ron—
Hermione was then interupted by the call of Dean, "—Ronald, Hermione! You are not to leave the Christmas festive already, are you?"
"No, no, of course not, mate," Ron said, he looked at Hermione solemly, "I just did not want to ware Hermione out. She is very precious."
One of Ron's men approached them, he bowed before him. "May I permit His young Majesty to open the gifts he has graciously received?"
"Ahh! Of course," said Ron with a grin on his face. He turned to Hermione and leaned towards her and whispered, "I have cooked up a few surprises for you." Hermione's eyes widened; she felt overwhelmed with everything that Ron was doing for her. With the exception of Abby and Roger, she has never experianced this kind of treatment in her life. Ron took her hand and led her to the chairs at the end that faced the whole of the Great Hall.
Everyone came closer and gathered around in front of Ron and Hermione. One of his sevants came holding a black wooden box. "From Mr. Dean Thomas Brandon, Duke of Little Whining." The man opened the box and laid on velvet was a golden figure of a knight on a horse. It was shiny as the candles that were lit around the hall.
"Take it out," said Ron to the servant.
The man carefully removed the figure from the box and held it gracefully with both hands, it was a bit heavy.
Ron smiled, Dean stepped forward with both hands behind his back, "It is to show how powerful the future King of Hogwarts is and shall be to all provinces. It reminds us of what we have to celebrate. Our friendship."
"Dean…I shall cherrish this forever," Ron said, "Thank you very much."
The man placed the ornament back into the box buckled it back it back up and walked away. Cedric spoke from the side of the table, "Lady Hermione, a gift from His young Majesty."
Hermione shyly smiled at Ron, squeezed her hand slightly in his. The next man in line of the others bearing gifts stepped forward. He opened the chest that was embedded with all colours of jewels. He kneeled before opening the cover, revealing beautiful silk material also three books with deer skin on its cover and back.
"Please, come closer so she can see them better," said Ron.
The man came forward with a serious look on his face as many of the servants had and held the chest carefully in front of Hermione. Hermione gasped lightly, she pulled out one the books and held it front of her.
"It's a series of three," Ron said, his ears turning a bit pink, "I know how much you love reading."
Hermione opened the deer-skin cover of the book and there was a picture of Merlin dressed in green robes slaying a dragon. The book was comprised with parchment for the the pages, written in black ink.
"The Merlin series," Hermione now had the biggest smile on her face, she placed the first part of the book series back and picked up the second. "Ron, thank you so much." She leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. Some of the guests who were looking on were smling sweetly and whispering amongst themselves, others stared at Hermione in disgust with the effect she had on Ron. The servant closed the chest, bowed at both she and Ron before stepping away to take it to their chamber.
"Next…a gift for His young majestsy from His Young Lordship, Harrius Potter," The man baring the gift bowed before Ron, opening the black box. In it was a sterling silver goblet being held on red velvet.
"Sterling silver, Harrius? It is very fine," Ron said,
Harrius smiled proudly, "Yes, its—
He got cut off, Cedric came scurrying across from the on-watching crowd. He bowed first before Ron and then to Harrius. "Beg, pardon my Prince-…young Harrius, His Majesty the King wishes to have a word with you." Harrius immediately exchanged looks with Ron; whom grasped Hermione's hand tighter at this moment. Harrius straightened up, he cleared his throat and smiled.
"No worries, Prince Ronald, I shall go and receive his message," he said, and then looked amongst Hermione, Cedric, and all the guests, "And then I shall come back and enjoy Hogwarts' festive."
Everyone bowed and curtsied as Harrius walked out of the Great Hall, Ron sat still watching him knowing something was obviously up, his father calling upon Harrius instead of him. He sighed, and turned and faced Hermione,
"Would you like to continue with our gifts now, or shall we wait till later?" he asked her whispering.
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A/N- written in the Gryffindor common room ;)